After years of restoration, the Notre Dame Cathedral reopened on December 7th, 2024. The famous building is located in the heart of Paris, on a small island in the Seine River. Five years after being damaged in a fire, it is now open to visitors again.
Prior to the fire, Notre Dame was visited by millions of tourists each year. The iconic Gothic* cathedral was completed in 1345, and it is known for its stunning appearance and rich history.
Historical SignificanceNotre Dame is famous for its French Gothic architecture. The cathedral features beautiful stained-glass* windows and stone carvings. Its spires are also over 100 meters tall.
Over the centuries, the Notre Dame Cathedral has witnessed many historical events. It was the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation in 1804. Also, the bells of Notre Dame were rung to celebrate the liberation of Paris during World War II.
Fire and RestorationOn April 15th, 2019, a terrible fire broke out and destroyed Notre Dame’s roof and spires. The whole world watched sadly as the flames damaged the historic building.
Following the tragedy, an international restoration effort began. The French president set a 5-year deadline to restore the cathedral. Its successful reopening symbolizes hope for many people.
* Gothic 고딕 양식의 (뾰족한 아치와 창문, 굵고 높은 기둥이 특징)
* stained-glass 착색유리, 색유리